Bhutan’s Unique Approach: One Last Traffic Light and No More

The Kingdom of Bhutan has maintained its status as a country without traffic lights since a brief experiment in 1995. This initial attempt at installing a traffic light lasted just 24 hours before being dismantled, largely due to public dissatisfaction. The residents of Bhutan expressed a preference for the police officers who had traditionally directed traffic, valuing the personal connection and human interaction they provided. Since that time, Bhutan has not installed any traffic lights, and there are no plans to do so in the foreseeable future.

Bhutan’s approach to traffic management starkly contrasts with practices in many other nations. In the United States, for example, traffic lights are ubiquitous, serving as a critical part of road safety. However, in Bhutan, the absence of traffic signals is indicative of deeper cultural values. With a population of around 777,000, the country emphasizes patience and courtesy among drivers. Most intersections lack stop signs, relying instead on common sense and mutual respect for navigation.

Understanding Bhutan’s Cultural Context

Often referred to as “The Happiest Kingdom on Earth,” Bhutan prioritizes well-being over conventional measures of progress. Instead of Gross Domestic Product, the nation employs a metric known as Gross National Happiness, enshrined in its constitution. A government survey in 2015 revealed that an impressive 91% of the population described themselves as happy—a sentiment unassociated with traffic lights.

Bhutan’s selective approach to technology reflects its cultural ethos. The introduction of television and the internet only occurred in 1999, with some forms of media, such as MTV, banned shortly thereafter for failing to contribute positively to national happiness. This reluctance to embrace certain modern technologies is not seen as backwardness but rather a conscious choice to preserve cultural integrity.

The Bhutanese populace has historically been comfortable under a monarchy that prioritizes their happiness. This extends to everyday life, including traffic management, where human officers are preferred over mechanical solutions. The traffic policemen, stationed at various intersections in the capital city of Thimphu, provide a sense of order and connection. Dressed in sharp uniforms and stationed in colorful wooden booths, these officers undergo a week-long training course focused on hand signals and communication techniques. Their rhythmic movements contribute to a unique traffic management system.

Innovative Traffic Solutions and Environmental Impact

Despite the absence of traffic lights, Bhutan has implemented various strategies to manage increasing traffic flow. The country has begun to adopt roundabouts, particularly at busier intersections, which offer a more efficient means of controlling traffic. The authorities also promote road safety through creative slogans, displayed on roadside signs, such as “Be Mr. Late, not late Mr.” and “If you are married, divorce speed.”

To further mitigate traffic issues, Bhutan imposes high taxes on car purchases, allowing only new vehicles to be imported. This policy helps limit the number of cars on the road and contributes to the country’s unique position as carbon negative, producing more energy than it consumes. The absence of traffic lights may play a role in this environmental achievement, highlighting the nation’s dedication to sustainability.

Bhutan’s distinctive approach to traffic management reflects its broader cultural values, emphasizing human connection, patience, and happiness over technological convenience. As the last country to experiment with traffic lights, Bhutan continues to navigate its unique path, prioritizing the well-being of its citizens and the preservation of its cultural identity.